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Home Services Construction & Development Companies in UAE: A Comprehensive Guide

Construction, Contracting & Real-Estate Developer Companies in the UAE

The UAE is one of the world’s most dynamic real-estate and construction markets. However, any activity in this sector requires proper company formation, municipal approvals, and the correct construction or developer license (licence). MIRAD guides developers, main contractors and investors end-to-end — from concept to handover.

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Who is a developer?

A real-estate developer is a legal entity that acquires land, designs, builds and sells property — bearing full legal and financial responsibility for the project. Development is a full cycle: from concept and permissions to construction and sales.

Types of developer licenses (licences)

  1. Real Estate Developer License — for developers after land acquisition.
  2. Property Investment License — invest in property without constructing.
  3. Property Management License — lease and asset management.
  4. General Trading + Real Estate — combined structure for holding groups.

Contractors and subcontractors

  • Main Contractor — signs the prime contract and manages the site, workforce and suppliers.
  • Subcontractor — delivers specific trades: electrical, HVAC, glazing, fit-out, etc.

Core contracting license categories

  • Building Contracting — general construction (for main contractors).
  • Civil Works Contracting — earthworks, concrete and structural works.
  • MEP Contracting — mechanical, electrical, plumbing.
  • Interior Fit-out / Decoration — interiors, joinery, furniture and finishes.
  • Steel / Aluminum / Glass / Joinery — metal structures, glazing, carpentry.
  • Scaffolding, Flooring, Painting — finishing and support works.
  • Project Management — construction project supervision and control.

Mainland vs Free Zone: where to register?

CriteriaMainlandFree Zone (FZ)
Eligibility for tenders✅ Yes (government & private projects)❌ No
Working with real estate✅ Full access (via DLD, RERA)❌ Limited
Contracting license scope✅ Full range (Civil Works, MEP, etc.)❌ Restricted to limited services
Developer license✅ Required for developers❌ Not available
AuthoritiesMunicipality, Civil Defense, DLDZone authority only

Key requirements & nuances

  • A developer license is issued only when land is owned by the company.
  • Contracting licenses require engineers with local accreditation.
  • Registration must be in the Mainland — Free Zone licenses don’t grant access to major projects.
  • Mandatory coordination with Municipality and Civil Defense.
  • WPS registration required for employees (payroll compliance).
Want to launch a construction or real-estate development business in the UAE?

MIRAD will secure the right license (licence), register your company and help you kick-off the project in full compliance.

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HowTo: How to set up a construction / real-estate development company

  1. Decide your model: developer, main contractor or subcontractor.
  2. Choose the Emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.) and license category.
  3. Incorporate a Mainland company.
  4. Obtain approvals from DED and the Dubai Municipality.
  5. Appoint a Technical/Engineering Manager with local accreditation.
  6. Prepare documents: lease agreement, MoA, shareholders’ passports.
  7. Pass Civil Defense and other authority inspections/clearances.
  8. Register employees in WPS.
  9. Receive the license and start operations.

What MIRAD does

  • Select the optimal license type for your role and scope.
  • Company formation, land and developer/contracting licensing.
  • Drafting of contracts, MoA and supporting documents.
  • Advisory on construction regulations and compliance.
  • Structuring for taxes, ESR, VAT and WPS.

Why MIRAD

  • Hands-on experience launching construction and developer companies from scratch.
  • Direct work with DED, Dubai Municipality, DLD and RERA.
  • Deep understanding of engineering requirements and license categories.
  • End-to-end solutions for developers and contractors.
  • We help clients avoid costly mistakes and fines.

FAQ: Construction business in the UAE

❓ Can I open a construction company in a Free Zone?
✅ Not for full-scale construction. To work on projects, bid in tenders and build, you need a Mainland license.

❓ How much does a contractor license cost?
✅ From ~AED 25,000, plus engineers, office and applicable deposits.

❓ How long does it take?
✅ Typically 2–4 months including company setup, approvals and clearances.

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